TOWN OF SARATOGA

PLANNING BOARD

MINUTES - DRAFT

September 26, 2007 - 7:30 PM

 

 

Chairman Ian Murray called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m.

 

Clerk Linda McCabe called the roll.  Chairman Ian Murray – present, Robert Park - present, Patrick Hanehan - present, Paul Griffen – present, Laurie Griffen – absent, Ralph Pascucci- present, Robert McConnell- present, Alternate Jennifer Koval- present. 

Due to the absence of Board member Laurie Griffen, Chairman Ian Murray elevated Alternate member Jennifer Koval to full voting status.

 

Also attending: Town Engineer Ken Martin, Zoning Officer Gil Albert, and interested members of the public.  (sign-in sheet is on file in the Minute Book).  

 

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Paul Griffen and seconded by Patrick Hanehan to accept the minutes of August 22, 2007 as written.  Chairman Ian Murray – aye, Robert Park – aye, Patrick Hanehan – aye, Paul Griffen – aye, , Robert McConnell – aye, Ralph Pascucci – abstained, Jennifer Koval – aye.   Carried 6 - 0.

 

Order of Business:

 

Chairman Ian Murray announced the first Applicant for the evening, Saratoga Farms subdivision, will not be coming tonight.  This is Tabled at the Applicant’s request.

 

 

Subdivisions

 

John Hayes

247 Burgoyne Rd.

Schuylerville, NY  12871

S/B/L 182.-2-23  Rural

 

Returning Applicant proposes to subdivide 1.38 acres from 3.2 acres for a single- family home for his son.  A variance was granted by the ZBA last month.

 

John Hayes appeared before the Board.  Chairman Ian Murray noted the lot had a trailer on it and asked if it was still there and the Applicant replied it is not.  Chairman Ian Murray questioned if they were intending to use the old septic system and the Applicant replied they are putting in a new septic system up on the hill and a new well is also going in. Chairman Ian Murray explained how the Planning Board requires a soil engineering (deep-hole test and perc test) at the time of subdivision, but since there was a trailer there with a septic system, the Planning Board doesn’t need it for approval, but the Applicant will need it for a building permit.  The Applicant replied this is no problem.  Chairman Ian Murray requested he have his surveyor put the district lot data and building envelope on the map along with the agriculture statement (right to farm law). 

 

Proof of Notice having been furnished by newspaper on September 12, 2007, Chairman Ian Murray opened the Public Hearing at 7:38 p.m.  No interested parties came forward, Chairman Ian Murray closed the Public Hearing at 7:39 p.m.

 

Chairman Ian Murray read the letter from the Saratoga County Planning Board indicating no significant County wide or intercommunity impact.

 

Paul Griffen read the short form EAF, which was completed by the Board.  Chairman Ian Murray made a motion and Robert Park seconded, to accept the documents as presented and to declare the SEQR review complete and to make a negative declaration.  Chairman Ian Murray – aye, Robert Park – aye, Patrick Hanehan – aye, Paul Griffen – aye, Robert McConnell – aye, Ralph Pascucci – aye, Jennifer Koval – aye. Carried 7-0.

 

Robert Park made a motion and Patrick Hanehan seconded to grant the subdivision on condition of the surveyor placing the district lot data, building envelope and agriculture statement on his map.  Chairman Ian Murray – aye, Robert Park – aye, Patrick Hanehan – aye, Paul Griffen – aye, Robert McConnell – aye, Ralph Pascucci – aye, Jennifer Koval – aye.

Carried 7-0

 

Kevin & Kim Relyea

53 Van Dorn St.

Saratoga, NY  12866

S/B/L 168-2-68.21   Rural

 

Returning Applicants propose to subdivide 80,068 Sq. Ft. of property from 72+/- acres owned by her father, John F. Deyoe Sr., 297 County Rt. 68, on which to build a single family home.

 

Kevin Relyea appeared before the Board handing in neighbor notifications.  Chairman Ian Murray asked where the driveway placement is to be.   The Applicant replied it will be near the southern property line.  Chairman Ian Murray stated that the Applicant needs the district lot data, the driveway location, the soil engineering (deep hole and perc tests), and agriculture statement placed on his survey map.

 

Proof of Notice having been furnished by newspaper on September 12, 2007, Chairman Ian Murray opened the Public Hearing at 7:46 p.m.  No interested parties came forward. Chairman Ian Murray closed the Public Hearing at 7:47 p.m.

 

Chairman Ian Murray read the letter from the Saratoga County Planning Board indicating approval subject to DPW approval. The Applicant should contact Ted Serbalik @ 885-2235 to review the proposed driveway on Co. Rd. 68. 

 

Paul Griffen read the short form EAF, which was completed by the Board.  Robert Park made a motion and Robert McConnell seconded, to accept the documents as presented and to declare the SEQR review complete and to make a negative declaration.  Chairman Ian Murray – aye, Robert Park – aye, Patrick Hanehan – aye, Paul Griffen – aye, Robert McConnell – aye, Ralph Pascucci – aye, Jennifer Koval – aye. Carried 7-0.

 

Robert Park made a motion and Robert McConnell seconded, to approve this subdivision on condition of the surveyor placing the district lot data, driveway placement, soil engineering and agriculture statement on his map. Chairman Ian Murray – aye, Robert Park – aye, Patrick Hanehan – aye, Paul Griffen – aye, Robert McConnell – aye, Ralph Pascucci – aye, Jennifer Koval – aye.  Carried 7-0

 

 

Lot Line Adjustment Conference

 

William Reynolds

800 Rt. 29

Saratoga, NY  12866

S/B/L 168.-3-69.11  Conservancy

 

Applicant is seeking a lot line adjustment.  He proposes to take 6.70 acres from his 14.19 acres to give to Kristen Reynolds’ adjoining lot.

 

Jim Vianna appeared before the Board on behalf of Mr. Reynolds explaining how Mr. Reynolds wants to convey 6.70 acres to lot 1 from lot 2.  Chairman Ian Murray stated there is no Board action required; the only thing the Board needs is an updated deed and survey.  Once the Applicant brings in his maps, Chairman Ian Murray can get these signed.  Jim Vianna handed his copies of deeds over for the file. 

 

Special Permit Pre-Submission Conference

 

Harold W. Reiser

87 Green St.

Schuylerville, NY  12871

S/B/L 156.-3-11  Rural Residential

 

Applicant proposes to convert a building used for business into a residential apartment, located on a 4.90 acre parcel, 1120 Rt. 29, where a cottage and a house also exist.

 

Attorney Melissa Lescault appeared before the Board on behalf of Mr. Reiser. She stated to the Board that Mr. Reiser is applying for a special use permit to turn the “dance studio” into an apartment to rent as a single- family dwelling.  The cottage is currently rented as a single- family dwelling and the brick house is vacant right now.  Melissa Lescault also explained that from Mr. Reiser’s point of view, based on the fact the dance studio was permitted, he has advertised to rent it as a commercial use.  He’s looking for anything that would be allowed, so financially, he can use this property and not have it go to waste. Chairman Ian Murray answered he can go to the Town Board and apply for a PUD with what he has presented. After much discussion between the Planning Board and the Applicant’s attorney, Melissa Lescault, she decided to go back to her client and advise him to study the Zoning Regulations and decide what he wants to do, then, when he has a clear plan come back to the Board.  Advised

 

Special Permit Conference

 

Michael J. Galvin, DVM/Belmont Veterinary Group, P.C.

335 Rushmore Ave.

Mamaroneck, NY  10543

S/B/L 156.-1-2.11  Rural Residential

 

Applicant proposes to build a horse surgical hospital and rehabilitation stable on this 13+/- acre parcel, located at 941 Rt. 29, Saratoga, NY.  This project will require the construction of three buildings including the main building, referred to as the horse surgical hospital that will be up to 3500 sq. ft; additional horse stalls will be located in the second building that will be up to 1200 sq. ft; and the third will be a hay and storage barn, which will be up to 750 sq. ft.  Future expansion of this project may include adding on to the horse hospital facilities and development of a single- family house at the north end of the paddock area.

 

Mike Toohan, attorney for Michael Galvin DVM, Dr. Michael Galvin, Mike Ingersol and Rob Fraser of the LA Group, appeared before the Board to present their proposal and answer questions.  Mr. Toohan explained how the number of horses housed annually in this area has grown and continues to grow.  A large animal surgical clinic is in demand and will continue to be in demand.  This is an opportunity for his client’s services and the Belmont Group.  This will be a large animal facility, specifically horses, so there will be very little traffic coming in and out of the site.  There will be a full-time staff of 5 people.  They anticipate horse vans, trailers, goosenecks and an occasional 54’ van that will be coming off Rt. 29 onto the site, but at the same time, there will be many times when there will be no traffic at all.  Mike Ingersol then went through the project packet and explained the design of the project; showed where the existing wet lands are located, where the structures will be located, along with the two lane drive that goes up and around the structures in order for the horse trailers to get in and out with no problems.  He explained how they have tried to keep their neighbors in mind while planning placement of buildings, driveways and lighting, keeping lights as far away from the antique shop as possible.  They will keep permeable soil for the two- lane drive once past the entrance driveway and parking lot spaces, which will be paved.  The house proposed for the future will be for a property caretaker and an intern or technician to be on premise at all times to cover the needs of animals staying over and for emergencies.  The Board questioned why they would need to build a house so far from the hospital if it is for sick animal's caretakers; it was suggested that they attach it to the hospital or build a second story apartment above the hospital; then they would be able to hear any problems and respond quickly.  Chairman Ian Murray questioned the amount of noise generated with this industry and Dr. Galvin answered aside from possible tractor- trailers coming in, there is no noise.  You may hear a horse now and then but that is all.  Paul Griffen asked what they will do with the animal waste and Dr. Galvin stated it will be carted away daily by a contracted service.  The stable is more for the hospital so it must be kept very clean due to surgeries.  Robert Park asked what would happen if a horse dies or has to be euthanized and Dr. Galvin stated they would not be kept on premise, he will contract with the same service the horse track uses.  He also stated that diagnostics will be limited, there will be no nuclear medicine at all and they will have 220 electric for any x-ray equipment etc… Mr. Ingersol noted that Chairman Ian Murray mentioned archeology.  Chairman Ian Murray told the Applicant he had discussed this with Town Engineer Ken Martin. Since it is a Type I action, the Board would like to do Archeological Phase I and put a condition on the special use permit that when the Applicant does excavation for the facility, they have an archeologist on site. The Applicant is hoping to have this done within a month. Chairman Ian Murray also stated since the Applicant has the grading plan done, as far as storm water it won’t take that long to finish up. Mr. Ingersol stated they may have that done by next month. Chairman Ian Murray questioned the soil engineering for septic.  Mr. Ingersol told him it is already done and ready to go.  Chairman Ian Murray told the Applicant to get the soil engineering, the grading plans with storm water information to us, neighbor notifications out and we will advertise a Public Hearing for next month.  Returning

 

Information

 

Judith Chamberlain

883 Rt. 4 South

Schuylerville, NY  12871

S/B/L 209.-1-5.3  Conservancy

 

Applicant is seeking information as to what she needs to do to meet today’s requirements for a 3 lot subdivision on her 6.25 acre parcel, located between Rt. 4 S. and River Rd. which was given preliminary approval in November 1992.

 

Jim Chamberlain appeared before the Board stating how they are ready to go forward with the 1992 preliminarily approved subdivision, and would like to know what they need to do to meet today’s requirements.  Chairman Ian Murray explained to Mr. Chamberlain that since the original subdivision was not completed from preliminary to final within 6 months, they need to start over.  Town Engineer Ken Martin looked over the presented map and information and told Mr. Chamberlain there is more information needed.  Chairman Ian Murray told Mr. Chamberlain he needs soil engineering on the parcels (perc test and deep hole test), the 100- year flood plain, wet land delineations and Archeological Phase I on his survey map along with a new complete application.  Mr. Chamberlain thanked the Board.  Advised

 

Old Business: 

 

 

New Business:  Chairman Ian Murray told the Board he received SHPO response on the Schuyler Hill’s subdivision and needs to schedule a workshop meeting to complete SEQR.  The Board decided to hold the workshop on Oct. 10, 2007 at 7 p.m. in the conference room.

 

Next meeting will be held October 24, 2007.

 

A motion to adjourn was made by Robert Park, seconded by Patrick Hanehan at 8:37 p.m.  Chairman Ian Murray-aye, Robert Park-aye, Patrick Hanehan-aye, Paul Griffen-aye, Robert McConnell – aye, Jennifer Koval-aye.  Carried 6-0

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Linda McCabe

Planning Clerk

 

Return to 2007 Planning Board Files

 

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